Bit Dungeon

Hatch

This virtual pet isn't coming to the iTunes App Store until next year, but it looks terribly adorable — and if you head over to the website before launch, you can register for a special-colour pet that's only available pre-launch.

Battle of the Bulge

An absolutely stunning historical war game, using deep turn-based strategy across several game modes, and including historical photos, film and commentary: this is the strategy title we have always wanted.

Reading Rainbow

We never really had Reading Rainbow in Australia — LeVar Burton's educational program aimed at encouraging literacy in kids — but apparently it was well loved, and this new app for the iPad looks just gorgeous. It's free to download and try; after that, subscription fees apply.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy

Another freebie from Square Enix, this is a Final Fantasy rhythm game that sees you tapping, swiping and holding down on the screen in time to music from all of the Final Fantasy games over 25 years. Two songs are included; each additional song will set you back AU$0.99, which is pretty pricey. It's free to try, and the loading screen chocobo is as cute as a button, though, so give it a shot.

The Lords of Midnight

1984's Lords of Midnight was a massive step forward for gaming, with real perspective and multiple ways the game could be played, depending on the player's preference. Now you can revisit this wonderful classic on iOS.

Wunderlist

To-do list app Wunderlist version 2.0 has been released for iOS and Android, bringing with it push notifications, reminders, sharing via Faceook and email, "supercharged" cloud sync, a new design and a bunch of tweaks to make it faster and more stable. No word yet on a Windows Phone update.

FireReady

This one's not new, but is timely for the summer season. If you're in Victoria, it will keep you up to date with emergency information and fire-safety advice during the dangerous summer months, and is often used by firies to stay on top of the news.

Note+

Minimalist note-taking app Note+ has been given the 8 treatment as well, adding live tile support, a security PIN to keep your notes locked down and voice commands — and you can even dictate notes for a completely hands-free experience.

KenKen

Capcom has released its first game for Windows Phone; unfortunately, it's not one of the first games you'd think of, such as Phoenix Wright, Mega Man or Street Fighter. Instead, it's a puzzle game, kind of like "what if we added a few more maths to Sudoku?" It will delight maths puzzles aficionados; but not so much beat-'em-up fans.

The Pyraplex

We always get disproportionately excited about the release of a new Kairosoft game. This town-building sim is set in the fantastic land of ancient Egypt, where people live in pyramids instead of die in them. It's Kairosoft, we don't care.

100 Doors 2013

The name is a bit of a misnomer; there are only 85 doors in the sequel to puzzle game 100 Doors. You have to solve puzzles and mini-games to figure out how to open each door and enter the next room. Why? Sometimes the journey is worth more than the destination.

Chauka Cricket Scorer

Summer means cricket season in Australia — not just the Test, One Day and Twenty20 tournaments, but matches played all over parks, beaches and backyards. This app has been specially designed to keep score, with team rosters, score cards and leader boards.

Terraform

Small Call

Don't you hate it when you're playing with your phone and you're interrupted by an incoming phone call? Small Call confines the incoming call (or text message) notification to a small, adjustable bar on your screen, so that you can accept or decline without breaking stride.

Nike Training Club

Added to the suite of Nike fitness apps, games and equipment is Nike Training Club, an app that puts a personal trainer in your pocket. You can personalise your workout to target specific areas or your whole body, and get professional athlete workouts.

Because this fact seems to have caused some confusion among users, yes, the trainers are all women. However, anyone can use the app.